Coping with criticism is not always easy, so here are some tips that can help: 1) Listen to the criticism—figure out whether it is useful or just rude. 2) Respond calmly—always be respectful and thank the critic if the feedback is useful. 3) Don’t take criticism personally. 4) Avoid becoming stressful and cynical. 5) Keep your chin up.
Long ago, the Apostle Paul had to deal with critics that were trying to destroy him as a leader over the church at Corinth. They claimed he was not an apostle but a phony, out to take money from the people. Paul listened but he also answered his critics. He pointed to the facts that showed he was a genuine apostle. He writes in second Corinthians Chapter 6, “We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.” Today, we can’t stop all criticism but we can live so others have less reason to criticize us. Like Paul, we can pattern our lives after Jesus Christ.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
